RobS

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Everything posted by RobS



  1. RobS added a post in a topic Classic IV Restoration   

    Very nice looking work!
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  2. RobS added a post in a topic Classic IV Restoration   

    No doubt, a clove hitch is one of the best knots for lacing things down securely.
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  3. RobS added a post in a topic Airdale Backcountry s/n 007 Rebuild Diary   

    That price is high! I got an estimate of $500 and Av8R3400 had his Kitfox done for under $200.
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  4. RobS added a post in a topic Gospel Lake   

    So cool! Roll out of bed and you're at the airport!!
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  5. RobS added a post in a topic Repair of fuselage lower aft stringer   

    Really nice work!
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  6. RobS added a post in a topic Powder Coating   

    Thanks for the feedback. Definitely some pros and cons to powder coating. Sounds like epoxy is the way to go.
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  7. RobS added a post in a topic Powder Coating   

    Ok - it sounds like the two of you went with epoxy and you'd both recommend the blasting and "new coating" to start. I know Larry recently had his Mangy Fox blasted and powder coated so hopefully he'll weigh in with his thoughts. And, in my reading, I have seen others express concern that powder coating can hide future corrosion.
     
    It seems that all the new kits come with a powder coat (I think you can still get them without it). Do you know if they pretreat their frames with something before they do the powder coating to further inhibit corrosion?
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  8. RobS added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar   

    Powder Coating
    As we’re headed into the cooler weather season here in Maine, I’m starting to organize my thoughts about beginning the work on the MK IV kit I bought this spring. One of the items that I’m still undecided on is whether it’s worth having the airframe bead-blasted and powder coated before I do anything else.
     
    Currently the frame is in various “states†of paint and it looks like some of it was done with a rattle can. Going with the powder coating would sure make everything uniform as I begin the tasks of finishing off the fuselage and then head to the covering phase. I could just paint over everything to get the uniform look, but am wondering if cleaning the metal completely and starting fresh is a better way to go. The kit has been sitting for a long time, but there are no visible signs of corrosion (maybe a few insignificant spots that could be cleaned up and painted). I have a rough estimate of $500 for the complete powder coat job, so, while I'd like to save that money, in my mind it's not a deal breaker as I want to make sure as I start this project I'm doing things right.
     
    So I’m looking to see what some of you have done. Is powder coating the way to go or is it a waste of my money? Thanks in advance for your opinions and advice.
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  9. RobS added a post in a topic latest air vehicle (not really)   

    Very interesting and it would make a great hedge trimmer too!
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  10. RobS added a post in a topic Hunting With Your Avid 2015   

    I agree the pictures and narrative are great! I really enjoyed reading about and seeing your adventure.
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  11. RobS added a post in a topic Wings in Turtle Deck   

    TJay - glad you posted your comment because I was lost too. I haven't started building yet and didn't know what to ask. By the way, nice looking work!
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  12. RobS added a post in a topic Parachute installation   

    I saw that too. Based on the video I saw, it was a pretty horrific ride into the ground! A BRS definitely would have helped.
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  13. RobS added a post in a topic Parachute installation   

    Ouch! Hope that experience is a distant memory . . .
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  14. RobS added a post in a topic Parachute installation   

    Ed,
    I agree, this is good dialogue, not a disagreement. My words probably didn't do the subject justice. Here's part of the article taken from the link I posted on mountain turbulence written by Sparky Imeson. I may be missing your point, but if Imeson's words are accurate it looks like even though you bounce more (and I don't enjoy bouncing either) in turbulence you're better off with a lighter load in you plane.
     
    "Pilots notice that a heavily loaded airplane rides smoother in turbulent air. They perceive this as an indication that the airplane should be loaded to its maximum whenever turbulence is expected. This is a bad assumption.
     
    Consider an airplane that has a maximum allowable gross weight of 3,000 pounds. If it encounters a +30 fps gust that results in an additional 2-g load factor, the airplane experiences a total of 3 Gs load factor. Multiply the 3-g load factor by 3,000 pounds and the wings are supporting 9,000 pounds.
     
    Assume the airplane is loaded to 1,500 pounds and that it is subjected to the same gust. With half the inertia, the gust acceleration is doubled, causing the airplane to experience a 5-g load factor (4-g force plus 1-g level flight). Multiply 1,500 pounds by 5 gs and the wings are supporting 7,500 pounds.
     
    The lightly loaded airplane is subjected to 1,500 pounds less load when encountering the same gust. Even though the heavy airplane realizes less load factor, it incurs more strain. The pilot recognizes load factor; the airplane recognizes load."
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  15. RobS added a post in a topic Parachute installation   

    A really good article about this can be found here: http://www.mountainflying.com/pages/mountain-flying/turb_va.html
     
    While the heavier wing load certainly makes you bounce around less, it doesn't translate into less "weight/load" on the wing and that's why there are target "maneuvering" air speeds for all aircraft. I believe maneuvering speed is calculated at the airplane's max gross weight, and is a speed at which turbulence is guaranteed not to break the air frame (exceed the G-rating) or cause a loss of control (based on that max loading). So lower weight will certainly mean more bounces/less comfort - but it does provide a higher safety margin.
     
    And probably should add . . . but at/over gross weight, smoother ride, and reduced safety margin.
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  16. RobS added a post in a topic Classic IV Restoration   

    Big bore kit??
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  17. RobS added a post in a topic got plane home   

    Not sure if this is what you're looking for, but more details (and a picture) can be found in this post on the TK site:

    http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=5160&highlight=Torque+tube+fix&page=2
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  18. RobS added a post in a topic Avidfoxflyers.com On Facebook   

    I'm enjoying this - it's a great read and very entertaining!
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  19. RobS added a post in a topic new viking 110 -- honda fit core conversion   

    Ed, I think you can see the radiator bracket in the front (right below the blue hose) of Doug's first engine picture. All of the Viking engines I've seen (except those being used as a pusher) have the radiator bracketed on the lower front of the engine. This picture (found at the link below) of the Escapade seems to confirm the position with the large front cowl air scoop.

    http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dR2b0AFdyVA/maxresdefault.jpg
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  20. RobS added a post in a topic Airventure 2015   

    Doug - you said it, the touch and the balls! From the two pics you posted I thought he was in real trouble.
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  21. RobS added a post in a topic Airventure 2015   

    Doug,
    What happen with that J3 on floats? it looked like it was going to end badly . . . . . .
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  22. RobS added a post in a topic New guy worried about initial investment   

    Ken,
    I purchased a 1959 C172A back in 2007 for $25k and dumped a fair amount of money in it improving the panel and replacing tired and worn parts. When I went to sell it 7 years later I thought I'd at least get my $25k back, but didn't. I think what EdMo said about the economy and price of fuel is spot on and played a large part in the price I got for my plane.
     
    Since then, and after shopping Barnstormers, Ebay and all of the other sites, I purchased a partially completed Avid kit and look forward to dumping time (and money) into it to get it flying. I have no expectation that if I decide to sell it I will get all of my money back. For me it's a hobby and hobbies cost - at least in the experimental aircraft world, flying will cost me a liitle less (I hope).
     
    Good luck searching and keep posting . . .
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  23. RobS added a post in a topic Airventure 2015   

    Wow! Nice gesture - he must have been thrilled!!
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  24. RobS added a post in a topic Jab 2200 Motor Mount   

    Speaking of Jab USA, I sent an email to their info@ address about a muffler around 2 1/2 weeks ago and haven't heard a word. I assume you must have called them about the motor mount, because they don't seem to answer emails.
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  25. RobS added a post in a topic Jab 2200 Motor Mount   

    No, I ddn't. PM me your email and I'd be happy to pass along the drawings Jim sent to me.
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